Pacific Northwest Insect Management Handbook

Christmas tree (True fir)-Balsam twig aphid

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Mindarus abietinus

Pest description and crop damage Small, yellow-green aphids with woolly exudates attack new terminals.

See table:

Hosts and Symptoms of Major Aphid and Adelgid Pests of Christmas Trees

Management-chemical control

  • afidopyropen (Ventigra) (Group 9D)-Not permitted in Oregon
  • bifenthrin (OnyxPro, Sniper and others) (Group 3A)-Restricted use pesticide
  • carbaryl (Sevin and others) (Group 1A)
  • cyantraniliprole (Mainspring GNL) (Group 28)
  • cyclaniliprole + flonicamid (Pradia) (Group 28 + Group 29)
  • dinotefuran (Safari 20 SG) (Group 4A)
  • esfenvalerate (Asana XL and others) (Group 3A)-Restricted use pesticide.
  • flupyradifurone (Sivanto Prime) (Group 4D)
  • imidacloprid (Montana, Nuprid 4F and others) (Group 4A)
  • insecticidal soaps and oils (Ecotec, M-pede, Ultra-Pure Oil, 440 Superior Oil, and others)-Some formulations are OMRI-listed for organic production. Note: Some oils may cause discoloration. Test for phytotoxicity for any new oil product prior to widespread use.
  • pymetrozine (Endeavor and others) (Group 9)
  • spirotetramat (Ultor, Movento) (Group 23)
  • sulfoxaflor (Transform WG) (Group 4C)
  • thiamethoxam (Flagship 25 WG) (Group 4A)

Management-biological control

  • aphid predators (Aphidoletes aphidimyza, Aphidius spp., Hippodamia spp., Chrysopa spp.)-Consider attracting predators with forage plantings as keeping some species of predators on-site has challenged growers.
  • Beauveria bassiana (BotaniGard ES)

See:

Biological control of Nursery Pests

Kaur, N. (Ed.). 2024 Pacific Northwest Insect Management Handbook.
© Oregon State University.

Use pesticides safely!

  • Wear protective clothing and safety devices as recommended on the label. Bathe or shower after each use.
  • Read the pesticide label—even if you’ve used the pesticide before. Follow closely the instructions on the label (and any other directions you have).
  • Be cautious when you apply pesticides. Know your legal responsibility as a pesticide applicator. You may be liable for injury or damage resulting from pesticide use.

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